North east Victoria will welcome visitors from near and far for three events, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced Benalla Street Art Festival, North East Food and Wine Festival and Drag’d Out 2023 were successful funding recipients from the Andrews Labor Government $20 million Regional Events Fund.

• Benalla Street Art Festival will use their Regional Events Fund contributions to support a three-day Street Art Festival will be reactivated by Benalla Rural City Council. Since 2015-2019 this immersive arts festival has created over 70 contemporary public murals across Benalla and its surrounding rural villages, reinforcing Benalla’s reputation as a vibrant arts destination. During the event visitors witness world renowned street artists up close, as works unfold across the weekend in one giant outdoor gallery.

• The North East Food and Wine Festival will use their Regional Events Fund contributions to support a 3-day festival by Wodonga City Council showcasing the food and beverage experiences of the North East and surrounds with a blend of food, wine, entertainment, adventures, and activities that presents an opportunity for intrastate and interstate visitors to experience the tastes of the border region.

• Drag’d Out will use their Regional Events Fund contributions to support a celebration of all people within the LGBTIQ+ Community and the community at large. It is a celebration of diversity and will bring together people from all walks of life as a positive platform to continue the journey of education and inclusiveness. The event will be held between 16th - 19th November 2023 in Beechworth. Over four fabulous days, the town will be transformed into a buzzing mecca of colour, performance, excitement, and music as Drag’d Out celebrates the artform of ‘drag’.

The Government is backing a jam-packed calendar of crowd-pleasing public events in regional and rural areas in 2023. 

The $20 million Regional Events Fund is a critical component of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan and supports festivals, sports events, creative exhibitions, and other cultural celebrations.  

The Regional Events Fund drives economic benefits to Victoria by increasing visitor numbers and length of stay, thereby boosting spending in regional areas and supporting local jobs.  

Since 2016, the Government’s Regional Events Fund has funded more than 300 events across the state. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“We are proud to support these events because they encourage people to visit regional destinations and enjoy the wide range of experiences on offer.” 

“Drag’d Out 2023, North East Food and Wine Festival and Benalla Street Art Festival will be fantastic events that are set to bring more visitors to the north east, providing a boost to local businesses and jobs.”